AIRLINE bosses have sparked outrage by banning flight crew from wearing crucifixes or St Christopher medals on flights to Saudi Arabia - in case they offend the country's Muslims.

Stewardesses at British Midland International have also been told they must walk two paces behind male colleagues - and cover themselves from head to foot in a headscarf and robes known as an abaya.

And they have been forbidden from taking Bibles or cuddly toys such as teddy bears into the Saudi capital Riyadh - even in flight bags.

Saudi Arabia's strict laws enforced by the religious police - the Mutaween - ban the public practice of Christianity, churches and Christian religious materials, and figures of animals, including toys.

One employee, who asked not to be named, said: "It's outrageous that we must respect their beliefs but they're not prepared to respect ours.